In the newly released film Burlesque, actors and dancers capture the audience’s attention and make the movie exciting through extraordinary singing and musical dance numbers.

After seeing trailers for the film, I was very excited to watch this musical-like show, as I have a passion for musical and stage productions. Christina Aguilera plays the main role, Ali Rose, and completely draws the viewer’s attention with her dazzling performances.

Although Aguilera was not able to showcase all her acting, dancing and singing skills in one film, she proves herself worthy of working alongside famous artists like Cher, who plays Tess, the owner of the lounge, Burlesque.

The movie begins with Ali working at a bar in Iowa and saying that she is going to leave town to pursue her dream of performing in Los Angeles. When she is left alone at the bar, she sings “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” which starts the movie on a great note, literally. The minute she had started singing, she completely captured my attention and gave me chills.

Ali takes the train to LA, auditioning for every opportunity imaginable and finally finding something of interest: the Burlesque Lounge. Although she mistakes it for a strip club, she soon learns that the outstanding dancers have class.

Tess hires her as a waitress, but Ali hopes to be up on the stage to perform along with the other dancers. In addition to falling in love with Burlesque, she shows an interest in Jack (Cam Gigandet), the bartender. But she begins to question her feelings as she spends more time with audience member Marcus (Eric Dane).

Ali’s outstanding talent is finally recognized when she auditions and is put in as a dancer. Later in the film, Ali proves that she has much more talent to offer in the song “Tough Lover,” and eventually becomes the main attraction at Burlesque. As the movie continues, more dance numbers are performed with elaborate costumes, lighting and choreography.

Such dance numbers include artists like Julianne Hough, professional ballroom dancer from “Dancing with the Stars,” who plays Georgia.

Conflicts center around Tess’s financial difficulties and Ali’s professional and romantic decisions. In addition, Ali faces a problem with former star singer Nikki (Kristen Bell), who fights to be put back in the spotlight — no matter what it takes to get her there.

As the plot unfolds, audience members must wait and see how the conflicts play out and whether or not the movie has a happy ending. The show ends with a fantastic and impressive musical number, “Show Me How You Burlesque.” This performance made me wish that the movie could go on longer.

Although Burlesque did not receive particularly good reviews and ratings from some publications, I, from a performer’s perspective, found it entertaining and inspiring. Aguilera’s voice is a rare and extraordinary talent, which is hard to find in most artists today.

By far, Aguilera is my favorite actress in the production. She is simply remarkable, displaying her varied talents for viewers and inspiring them to pursue their dreams.

The musical dance numbers complemented the great plot. They were some of the best parts of the movie; I could not wait until another dance or singing number was performed. The dancing was far from amateur, and continued to amaze me throughout the film.

The content and dancing may be a bit suggestive to some audiences, given the nature of the subject. Despite these moments, the movie completely exceeded my expectations and made me feel like I was watching a live Broadway show.

Burlesque is the best musical film I have seen in a long time, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys musical, dramatic and romantic themes all in one movie.

The 119-minute film is playing in most local theaters and is rated PG-13 for sexual content, partial nudity, language and some thematic material. For tickets and showtimes, visit Fandango.

For more movie reviews, read the Dec. 3 article, ‘Deathly Hallows’ demonstrates cinematic merit.

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